PBS dismantles its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion department following a Trump executive order, sparking controversy and raising questions about the broadcast’s future direction.
Top Takeaways
- PBS eliminated its DEI department and fired two executives in response to Trump’s executive order.
- The decision followed an inquiry from Bari Weiss’ Free Press about non-compliance with the order.
- PBS CEO Paula Kerger cited compliance with the executive order as the reason for the department’s closure.
- The broadcaster faces scrutiny from the Department of Government Efficiency and potential legal questions.
- PBS emphasizes its ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion despite the DEI office closure.
Executive Order Prompts PBS to Dismantle DEI Department
In a move that has stirred controversy, the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) has eliminated its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) department. This decision comes in the wake of President Donald Trump’s executive order, signed on his inauguration day, which mandates the removal of DEI-focused positions and funding in federally supported organizations. The broadcast’s action followed an investigative piece by Bari Weiss’ Free Press, which questioned PBS’s compliance with the executive order.
PBS CEO Paula Kerger informed staff of the decision, citing the need to comply with the executive order. The network initially considered reassigning DEI executives to other departments but ultimately decided to eliminate the office entirely. This restructuring led to the departure of two key DEI executives, Cecilia Loving and Gina Leow, who had been leading diversity initiatives since the department’s establishment in 2021.
“Our mission is to educate, engage and inspire the wide variety of American communities we serve will continue to be at the center of our work, and we’ll also continue to ensure that PBS remains a welcoming place for everyone,” said Kerger.
SCOOP: @TheFP asked @PBS about its alleged plans to hide its DEI department. Hours later, it was gone.
Josh Code (@writes__code) investigates: https://t.co/Arb98f15su
— The Free Press (@TheFP) February 11, 2025
Financial and Legal Implications
The dismantling of the DEI department has raised questions about PBS’s financial strategies and legal landscape. PBS’s annual budget is subsidized by federal funds at around 15%, translating to $215 million. Financial disclosures revealed that Loving earned nearly $400,000 in 2022, highlighting the significant investment PBS had made in its DEI efforts. The broadcaster now faces scrutiny from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and potential legal questions regarding its hiring practices.
PBS CEO Paula Kerger is scheduled to appear before the House DOGE committee to discuss the network’s use of federal funds. This upcoming testimony underscores the heightened attention on PBS’s organizational decisions and their alignment with federal mandates.
Broader Implications for Federally Funded Organizations
The situation at PBS highlights the broader implications of Trump’s executive order for federally funded organizations. The White House has reinforced the order’s intent to end DEI discrimination in federal agencies and related entities that receive federal funds.
As PBS navigates this transition, the broadcasting landscape watches closely. The network’s ability to adhere to new federal guidelines will likely set a precedent for other publicly funded organizations grappling with similar challenges.
